Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) guidelines and (b) legislation applies to the application of fees for transporting certain types of plants across EU borders; what the (i) cost and (ii) purpose of licences for such transportation is; what plans he has to make representations to the EU on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [95728]
§ Mr. MullinEU Wildlife Trade Regulations 338–97 and 939–97, implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), contain provisions for the control of trade and movement of listed species of endangered animals and plants. The controls apply to imports and exports across the external frontier. Member states may set fees for issuing the relevant import and export permits. Under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Fees) Regulations 1997 the current fee for import and export permits for plants issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is £7 per genus. There is a reduction to £5 per genus for non commercial consignments and for consignments of 5 or more genera.
Within the European Union there are controls on the sale (including movement for sale) and purchase of the most endangered category of plants listed in Annex A of Council Regulation 338–97. Such activities may be subject to the issue of a certificate from my Department although no fee is charged. Detailed guidance is available on demand to all applicants for CITES permits or certificates.